Watson getting game back together with Nets

Former Bulls backup guard has put key ill-advised pass in final playoff loss behind him

December 15, 2012|By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune reporter

When the Bulls declined to pick up C.J. Watson's $3.2 million option last July, the guard who provided plenty of big moments during his two seasons in Chicago declined to consider the same minimum deal he eventually signed with the Nets.

"I never thought about coming back," Watson said.

And, no, Watson's decision had nothing to do with his ill-advised pass to Omer Asik that contributed to a staggering series of events in the season-ending loss to the 76ers.

"I wasn't worried about that," Watson said. "I knew I could do better. It was a critical mistake, maybe. But at the time, I didn't think it was. I just thought I kind of got mistreated, but it is what it is."

Watson has moved on, and Nets coach Avery Johnson is happy to have him.

Watson smiled in saying he didn't miss Tom Thibodeau's practices and stays in close touch with former Bench Mobbers Kurt Thomas, Ronnie Brewer and John Lucas III.

"It was fun because we all knew our role and played it to the best of our ability," Watson said of the dismantled Bulls' bench of last season. "We knew who was going to score and who was going to play defense."

Keith Bogans also returned after suffering a torn deltoid ligament and fractured left ankle one game after facing the Bulls last season.

"They told me they didn't know if it was career-ending," Bogans said. "I was worried. But I told myself I would get in the best shape of my life and give myself a chance. And that's what I did."

Point, counterpoint: Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio, who tore his anterior and lateral cruciate ligaments on March 9, made his season debut Saturday against the Mavericks. Rubio had surgery on March 21, meaning he returned just shy of nine months later.

The only official timeline the Bulls have given for Derrick Rose's return is eight to 12 months from the May 12 surgery date. Rose tore his left anterior cruciate ligament on April 28.

In a humorous moment, Rose ran at half-speed around a curved track during Saturday's morning shootaround, entering the area where reporters interviewed Thibodeau. Reporters moved to avoid getting teased for dooming Rose's rehab.

Layups: The Tribune reported Friday that Tim Duncan is the last big man to average 40 minutes or more when he played 40.6 in 2001-02. Kevin Garnett actually averaged 40.5 the following season, making him the last big man to do so. … The Bulls had a moment of silence for the victims in the Connecticut school shooting tragedy before the game.